When I was growing up, about once a month we had these great family Italian dinners.

 

Everyone gathered at my grandparents house. Their parents were from Italy, so with the lineage, you know the food was good. Pasta, Italian sausage, stuffed artichokes — the list goes on and on. I would eat so much that I begged people not to say anything funny because it hurt to laugh.

 

Both grandparents have long since passed, and, of course, no one bothered to write down recipes — if there were any.

 

I say that as a prelude to my first visit to Mama’s Italian House (5747 Youree Drive, Shreveport). The restaurant opened last December, but I seldom visit an eatery until it has at least a month or so under its belt. It wouldn’t be fair to judge a place too early. But, thinking enough time had passed, I recently asked a friend to meet me at Mama’s for a Tuesday night dinner.

 

The restaurant doesn’t have a website, only a Facebook page. There, I found the menu ahead of our visit, and got an idea of what Mama’s serves. Before both of my feet were in the door (I’m not exaggerating), Emily greeted us from behind the counter, which was a ways away. That would be the start of a night which featured some of the best service, by the most friendly server, I have encountered in a very long time.

 

Upon arrival, we were Mama’s only customers, and were invited to sit where we like. The restaurant has a very casual atmosphere. Some — not all — of the chairs are colored what I would call peach and lime green. There was a nice mix of music playing, and a television on one wall. 

 

As the name implies, Mama’s Italian House features Italian food. However, that’s not the only type of food offered. If you don’t have a taste for Chicken Parmesan or Lasagna, there’s a Fish Platter, a Fried Steak Finger Platter, subs, salads, sandwiches, and other non-Italian foods. But, if I’m going to a place with the word “Italian” in its name, I’m eating Italian food.

 

Not only did Emily bring our menus, she immediately explained their layout, and all Mama’s had to offer. There were seven appetizers from which to choose, including an option to  Pick Three for one price. My friend and I decided to share an order of Mozzarella Sticks ($8.99).

 

Before long, Emily brought out a tray with six breaded, fried sticks, which looked more like triangles. They surrounded a serving of marinara sauce. This would be a good time to tell you that, according to Emily, Mama’s makes its own sauce, along with all but one salad dressing. They also make their bread from scratch daily. 

 

The mozzarella sticks looked beautiful, and tasted even better. There were sprinkles of cheese on the outside, and thick, gooey cheese on the inside — the kind that stretches long when you take a bite of the stick. And, they were served hot! If you are a frequent reader of these reviews, you know that’s important to me.

 

For our entrees, we both wanted an Italian dish. My friend loves eggplant, so I knew before she ordered she was going to have the Eggplant Parmesan ($15.99). She also chose to have meat sauce, which was a small upcharge. (I was in a good mood, so I told her to splurge). 

 

I was between the Marinara and the Veggie Pasta. But after consulting with Emily, I chose the Marinara, served over spaghetti ($15.99). I also added meat sauce.

 

For a little more money, I could add two Meatballs, and/or two sausage links. Since Mama’s prices seemed reasonable, I decided to live a little. But, I was torn between the meatballs and the sausage. That is, until Emily offered me one meatball and one sausage link for the same price. Sold!

 

Each entree comes with garlic bread and a side salad. The bread, which was a long loaf, tasted homemade. It broke thin, and had a nice coating of melted butter and garlic. The salads weren’t anything special. In fact, some of my lettuce looked a little aged.

 

As Emily approached with our meals, my eyes opened wide. There were huge amounts of food on each plate. I took note of the prices before ordering, and was pleasantly surprised with the amount of food we received, for the price we were paying.

 

My dish was outstanding! Spaghetti filled the large bowl, and was covered in marinara with meat sauce. It was topped with parsley flakes, which made for a beautiful presentation. The sauce and pasta were hot and delicious.

 

My meatball and sausage were served in a separate bowl, both smothered with marinara and decorated with parsley. Of the two, the sausage was by far my favorite. It was warm, tender, and had a little kick. On the contrary, the meatball was borderline cold and soggy.

 

My friend’s homemade fried eggplant, topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese, along with a side of spaghetti, also filled her plate. She enjoyed everything. In fact, she said it was the “best ever”. She said the eggplant was crispy, and the meat sauce was seasoned “just right”. 

 

There weren’t any desserts on the menu, but just to make sure, I asked Emily. She said they do offer three or four desserts, but . . . . they were out of everything. I guess that’s a sign Mama’s desserts are popular, but we were disappointed. Then again, we ate a lot of food and still had enough to take home.

 

The cost of our meal before taxes and tip was $46.01. $46.01? I thought that was a bargain for the quality and quantity of food we enjoyed. However, know that you will pay an extra 3.5% if using a credit card (as noted on the menu), and that Mama’s suggested tip amounts are based on the total, and not the sub-total.

 

Except for a couple of minor hiccups (worn-looking lettuce and a cold meatball), Mama’s Italian House was outstanding. The food, prices, and service make it a no brainer for me to award the restaurant Four Forks. If you haven’t tried Mama’s, I would suggest you run, not walk, and enjoy a terrific Italian meal in a laid back setting.

 

Just like I did all those years ago.

 

Email SBJRestaurantReview@gmail.com.

 

 

1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so